Iranian Speaker Condemns Terrorist Attack on Pilgrims in Iraq

Rasa - Iran’s Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani vehemently condemned a Thursday terrorist attack near the Iraqi city of Hilla that killed scores of people, including dozens of Iranian nationals returning home from Arbaeen pilgrimage in Karbala.

News ID: 425296

Date: 25 November 2016 - 21:35

RNA - Extending his condolences to families of victims of the terrorist attack, Larijani emphasized the need for immediate action by the Foreign Ministry and other relevant bodies to take care of the injured and identify the bodies of the victims.

He also reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to keep taking “constructive and influential measures” in the fight against terrorism, stressing that such crimes will only steel Iran and Iraq’s resolve to counter terrorism and extremism.

In a separate message on Friday, First Vice-President Eshaq Jahangiri also condemned the suicide attack, assuring the Baghdad government of Iran’s continued support in the battle against terrorism.

According to reports, at least 100 people have been killed and dozens wounded in the bomb blast at a gas station near the town of Hilla, 100 km (62 miles) south of Baghdad, on Thursday.

Daesh (ISIL, also known as ISIS) terrorist group claimed responsibility for the assault.

The gas station has a restaurant on its premises that is popular with travelers. Five pilgrim buses were set afire by the blast from the explosives-laden truck, a police official said.

Iraq’s Joint Operations Command said the vehicle was packed with 500 liters of ammonium nitrate, a chemical compound used in many explosive devices.

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